NDDC contractors back interim administrator

Contractors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have backed the interim administrator, Mr. Akwa Effiong, and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, in their handling of the commission’s affairs.

The Contractors Association of NDDC, in a statement yesterday, said the achievements of Effiong, particularly the completion and inauguration of a befitting headquarters for the NDDC after 21 years and completion of other strategic assignments, showed that he had the interest of the commission and of Niger Delta people at heart.

The statement, signed by Messrs. Ebuka Nwanyiri and Ijeoma Saviour Otunuya, president and secretary, noted: “President Muhammadu Buhari has a great desire to reposition NDDC. It is a great achievement that the NDDC forensic audit, which the President ordered, has been completed and report submitted to the Presidency.

They appealed to the President to inaugurate a committee of respected and credible Niger Delta leaders to study the audit report and advise him on the best way to deal with the issues contained in the document.

“The minister of Finance and oil companies are urged to release funds to the NDDC so that the huge debts owed contractors for jobs done can be cleared.”

Amid the agitation for the constitution of a substantive NDDC board, they advised proponents of a new board to direct their energies and direct calls to the President, who is empowered to do so.

They said distracting the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC administrator from their task of delivering on projects meant to benefit the region was counterproductive.

“Effiong and the minister should be left alone in peace and undistracted so that they can concentrate and give 100 per cent attention on how best to solve the problems confronting the NDDC contractors and the developmental needs of the region.

“We find efficiency in the interim administrator of NDDC and therefore recommend him to President Buhari and minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio, for future use in regional and national developments,” they said.